Page 126 - 2019 September 11th Sotheby's Important Chinese Art

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PROPERTY FROM A MAINE PRIVATE COLLECTION Yang Ji (zi Yuxuan) was an outstanding carver 十七世紀 楊玉璇作壽山石雕瑞
A SOAPSTONE ‘MYTHICAL BEAST’ active during the mid-17th century. Yang 獸鈕印料
SEAL BY YANG YUXUAN came from Zhangpu in Fujian province, and
17TH CENTURY lived most of his life in Fuzhou. In the District 《玉璇》款
Gazetteer of the area compiled in the Kangxi
period, it is noted that “All his figures, birds
exquisitely carved and detailed with the beast 來源
seated and resting on the hind legs and the and animals and his vessels are exquisite in 帝國東方藝術，紐約
head curled around to face behind, the features the extreme. Collectors compete to engage
all delicately carved with the brows, mane and him”. For a discussion of Yang’s work, see Hugh
tail finely delineated, with contoured naturalistic Moss, Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping
musculature carved to the body and haunches, Shan Museum, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 45.
carved from a creamy beige toned stone, Compare a related soapstone seal, signed
signed ‘Yuxuan’ to one side, the seal face Yuxuan, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 4th April
polished 2017, lot 188. See also a soapstone carved
Height 1½ in., 4 cm mythical beast signed Yuxuan in a similar
script, sold Christie’s Hong Kong, 1st June
PROVENANCE
2016, lot 3206.
Imperial Oriental Art, New York.
$ 10,000-15,000

124 SOTHEBY’S IMPORTANT CHINESE ART